AboutMatt Maguire Expertise I am new to allexperts, but have plenty of knowledge and experience in the realm of Sublime. Guarantee: you will receive an answer within 2 days of posting the question -- I have no feedback so far and would like to build some.
I can answer most questions about the band, the significance of the lyrics, the show dates,
the unreleased albums and tracks, misinformation, and, above all, I am an expert on their
influences and related music.
Experience I have been a huge fan for 14 years, I ran a server which distributed Sublime's live and unreleased music 24/7 for 4 years, I have answered questions about the band daily for years on their old website, and I know some of the largest collectors in the world. I created the 5 CD bootleg "Rewind Selector" which documents the influences of Sublime and was the topic of a Spin Magazine interview.
Education/Credentials I did not study music in college, but I majored in English, so I can write a clear response. I worked as a research assistant in the past, so I have skills in research if I need to figure out an answer.
Past/Present Clients Sublime fans aren't my clients, but I have distributed swag and rare tracks to all those who want them for years at no cost.
Question Matt, first off I just want to thank you for all of your knowledge and valuable
information that you share with all sublime fans. I think I speak for all us
when I say we really appreciate your research and especially for sharing
"rewind selector."
I've read most of your posts and done a bit of research myself, but I still want
to learn more about Brad's actual life. My question is, in songs like "April 26,
1992" when Brad tells a firsthand story, is that story true? Did he actually
participate in the riots?
Also, I have a bunch more ?'s but I know I'm only supposed to ask 1 at a time,
but I've been searching left and right for a reasonably priced copy of Crazy
Fool: (Portrait of a Punk) and noticed that you are very generous in helping
out fans to get a chance to read the book. I really want to learn more about
the personality and stories of Brad. If there's anything you can do to help me
out, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank so much once again.
Answer In short, generally there is little to no truth (except when he's talking about salad tossing...ha).
In this case, there is a sliver of truth, and I broke out my copy of Crazy Fool to confirm:
"It was a real dichotomy. He wasn't a rebellious teen, he was just always in trouble. Not because he was rebelling, but because he was always stepping in it. He never rejected the lifestyle he had here. He loved his life. He enjoyed being by the beach, sailing, surfing everyday. He was kind of a crazy kid, though. He didn't think what he was doing was crazy but it seemed that way to me. WHEN THE RIOTS BROKE OUT, HE COULDN'T WAIT TO GET TO L.A. TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY DROVE TO L.A. BECAUSE EVERYTHING WAS HAPPENING DOWN THERE. THROUGH ALL THAT RIOTING, HE WAS A MOT DRAWN TO THE FLAME.
"HE STOLE OIL, CASES OF ENGINE OIL. THEY CALLED IT RIOT OIL. WHEN THEY LEFT L.A. THEY CAME BACK TO LONG BEACH, WHERE THEY KNEW MOST OF THE LOOTERS. HE THOUGHT IT WAS EXCITING AND FUN. HE DIDN'T LOOK AT IT AS SOMETHING TO BE FRIGHTENED OF OR SOMETHING THAT WAS ANTI-SOCIAL. ON THE CONTRARY, IT WAS A JOYRIDE. THAT'S KIND OF HOW HE WAS. HE LIKED CHAOS. IF THERE WASN'T ENOUGH CHAOS AROUND HIM, HE CREATED HIS OWN."
~Jane Nowell, Brad's stepmom
I can hook you up with Crazy Fool in some way. Find me on aim or e-mail me. Both are in past answers (recent).
Thanks for one at a time...people bust my balls when they ask 10 at once and expect an answer in 8 hours. I do have a job that pays... ;)
